Amazon facility raises traffic concerns in Braintree

Wednesday

BRAINTREE − A proposed Amazon distribution facility on Campanelli Drive would add to traffic problems on one of the town's major roadways, critics said.

The planning board Tuesday night opened hearings on a request from the retail giant for a special permit to operate the facility at 175-185 Campanelli Drive. Amazon plans to lease 200,000 square feet of space in the empty warehouse building, formerly the home of United Liquors.

Michael Giaimo, a lawyer representing Amazon, said the facility would be where vans and other vehicles are loaded to deliver Amazon packages to customer homes within a 45-minute radius.

"Amazon wants to be a good neighbor," Giaimo said, adding the company has discussed the plans with neighboring businesses.

Dan Disario of Langan, the engineering firm that did the traffic studies for Amazon, said the company is committed to working with neighbors and the town to control traffic coming in and out of the facility.

"They want to be proactive," he said.

He said the company would hold drivers at the facility if traffic backs up, change departure times if necessary, and is committed to hiring a police officer to direct traffic at the intersection of Granite Street and Campanelli Drive for three hours each weekday morning as the delivery vans are leaving. About 20 tractor-trailers would arrive between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. to deliver the packages to be shipped out the next day.

Disario estimated the facility would add 56 vehicle trips in each direction at it peak traffic hours.

Planning board Chairman Robert Harnais asked if Amazon would be willing to limit drivers exiting the facility to certain roads, keeping traffic out of residential neighborhoods

Giaimo replied, "we can certainly address that."

Chris Iorio of Jedwards International, an organic oils company on Campanelli Drive, questioned the estimates of the traffic generated by the Amazon facility. He said Granite Street is already congested, and the situation will get worse with the new sports complex approved for the nearby Braintree High School campus.

Chris Campbell, who lives across from the entrance to Campanelli Drive on Pond Street, said a short trip on the road can take 15 minutes.

"It is very backed up," he said.

District 1 Town Councilor Charles Kokoros, who represents the area, said his main concern is working with Amazon on traffic issues.

Frank Marinelli, a lawyer representing property owner Equity Investor Properties, said Amazon will invest an additional $10 million to develop the facility and will employ hundreds of people. He said the building has been used as a distribution center for many years, by Stop and Shop and Bradlees department stores before United Liquors.